thewhitehouse Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I'm following another thread with interest as I really want a blue egg layer however I really DON'T want a bird that'll fly next door and devastate my neighbour's perfect garden! Is the solution to get a young bird (not one on its own obviously!) and handle her a lot? If so how old should she be? I work full time so she'd need not to be a baby. Would being brought up with something really laid back help? If so what would be the perfect combination? Since I lost poor Tikka, I am down to one brown egg layer. I was thinking of a Maran type bird to replace her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruth1 Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Not experienced enough really to give advice but I reckon if its a flighty breed thats its nature so handling lots wont stop it from wanting to experience your neighbours garden, and prevention is the key. My Cotswald Legbars lay pale blue eggs and are flighty, and even though i got them at 9 weeks they were unwilling to be handled no matter how much I tried. However since they have started laying they are friendlier and I can stand next to them , but its a firm look dont touch agreement.( I used to have to look at them from a distance, this is a huge advance) but this might not be the case for all blue egg layers , the others will soon let you know. My cuckoo maran has followed the same thread really but I can touch her ( just) now shes laying, and she s a pretty, if rather large girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewhitehouse Posted February 4, 2009 Author Share Posted February 4, 2009 That's helpful, thanks Ruth. Cotswold legbars were on my shortlist. I sort of thought that the handling from an early age may only make a small difference. I shall await other replies with interest! I don't need to handle a lot but it would be nice to be able to give them a cuddle now and then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordelia Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 I have a cream legbar (probably the same as the cotswold)..who should lay blue eggs, although wombattaly who has her sister chicken...Dolly....she has laid a green eggg LOL. (mine hasnt laid yet) She is sweet, and sang when she first came to us at 13 weeks...but I havent been able to pick her up....but she will come up for mixed corn.... My other two, I can pick up (Rhode Island Reds) only now they lay.....as they crouch....before there is no way they would have let me pick them up.... best of luck.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madbird Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 My Cream Legbar follows me around like a little dog!... she will eat from my hand no problem but does not want to be picked up or handled.. out of my little flock she definately has the biggest character. She has never shown any tendancy to wander or fly over the fence... she is too nosey and interested in what's going on in HER garden! Her breeder advised she may lay olive coloured eggs instead of blue, but I am happy to say she lays lovely 'duck egg blue' coloured eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 I don't think that the legbars and legbar hybrids are more prone to flying - just that they are flighty as in more nervous and less inclined to be handled. Mine is very twitchy and won't be handled, always on the edge of the crowd but never at the front. But I've never seen her leave the ground Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haltonshappyhens Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 My cream Legbar is lovely.. she is the only one of our 3 that hasn't made an escape attempt (hope i haven't spoken too soon!) The ladies have an eglu with the omlet fencing around it.. eglu in middle because they like to stand on top and, in the style of Buzz from toy story 'this isn't flying - its falling with style...' I have clipped their flight feathers which seems to have worked!! we get pretty pale blue eggs.. quite smalll.... but beautifully formed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 I've just got a Columbine and a couple of Corton Blues for their coloured eggs. I cuddle all my hens loads so if mine don't turn out to be friendly it won't be for the lack of my trying . I'll let you know how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewhitehouse Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share Posted February 7, 2009 You're all so helpful - thanks so much for your replies. I think I'll take a look at the Columbines and Corton Blues as well as the Legbars - I'll google and see what's in my area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Well my first two columbines were very flighty and they do not like being handled. We had them from 12 weeks and despite lots of stroking etc they do not want to be touched. When they came into lay they settled down and don't escape or fly but they are not friendly. Fiesty and rulers of the roost!!! We then got two skylines same as columbines and although not aggressive like the the others they are not friendly. My OH always says there's a price to pay for those lovely blue and green eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAZAROO Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 If anybody is interested I have now found a lady with Aracunas and Columbine hybrids.... She is near Gatwick West Sussex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
